Acute glomerulonephritis causes sudden inflammation of the kidney’s glomeruli, leading to symptoms such as decreased urine output, blood in the urine, and swelling. It can be caused by various medical conditions and can lead to kidney failure if left untreated. Treatment includes prescription drugs and hospitalization for severe cases. Follow-up appointments are important for monitoring kidney function.
Acute glomerulonephritis is a medical condition that causes relatively sudden swelling and inflammation of the structures in the kidney known as the glomeruli. This part of the kidney is responsible for the first stage of filtering toxins from the body. Several medical conditions, including pneumonia, hepatitis, or lupus, are common causes of acute glomerulonephritis. Some potential symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis include decreased urine output, blood in the urine, or swelling of the face, arms, legs, or abdomen. Treatment often includes prescription drugs such as antibiotics; hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases.
The initial symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis often involve back pain and blood in the urine. High blood pressure can also develop due to this condition. Some patients experience facial swelling, particularly in the areas under the eyes. There may also be bloating or periodic swelling of the extremities, especially the hands and feet. If left untreated, acute glomerulonephritis can lead to kidney failure.
Less common symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis can involve blurred vision, headache, or lack of energy. Some patients notice a persistent feeling of sleepiness or difficulty concentrating on normal activities. High blood pressure or an enlarged liver can also result from acute glomerulonephritis.
If kidney-related problems are suspected, your doctor will often order a series of tests to check for abnormal functioning of your kidneys. Urine tests may be ordered to check for blood or protein in the urine. Blood tests can determine whether the kidneys are filtering toxins from the blood normally. In some cases, a small amount of kidney tissue is removed in a procedure known as a biopsy to check for inflammation of the glomeruli.
In some cases, when acute glomerulonephritis is suspected, the patient may be hospitalized while the necessary tests to diagnose the condition are performed. Once diagnosed, a tube can be inserted into a vein to deliver drugs such as antibiotics directly into the body. Pain relievers and drugs used to reduce inflammation can also be given this way. Additional medications may be used to reduce blood pressure if the patient’s blood pressure is elevated. In many cases, the patient is prescribed medication to take home after being discharged from the hospital.
After initial treatment, the patient will often be advised to return to the doctor a few times a year for routine laboratory work, such as blood and urine tests. These tests can often determine if there are any residual kidney problems. It’s also important to keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor so the condition can be treated and monitored.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
